A Knoxville man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Matthew R. Patin, 52, of Knox Avenue, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

According to the complaint, Mr. Patin possessed computer image files depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The images and the materials used to produce them had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for March 19. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution.

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